Areas Off Asbury Park Coast Possible Sites For Wind Farms

Federal officials are looking at areas off Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore as possible sites for wind-generation farms – and not everybody is happy about it.

The wind farms would be established in support of the Trump administration’s priorities to advance domestic energy production, generate revenue and increase job opportunities nationwide, according to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The bureau is looking for companies interested in commercial wind-energy leases within the proposed area in the "New York Bight." This region represents an area of shallow waters between Long Island, to the north and east, and the New Jersey coast, to the south and west.

Here are those areas:

Local fishermen told The Ocean Star they believe the farms could harm an area rich in scallops and clams and other species that drive the commercial and recreational fishing industries.

“There are places where [BOEM] can put wind farms where they are out of our way, and there are places where they could put them that are going to cost us a lot of money,” Jim Lovgren, director of the Fishermen’s Dock Co-Operative, located on Channel Drive in Point Pleasant Beach, told The Ocean Star.

The BOEM, however, is seeking public input to prevent problems and conflicts with fishermen.

“This administration is committed to the economic prosperity and energy security of all Americans,” said Interior Counselor for Energy Policy Vincent DeVito. “We must use all types of resources at our disposal to ensure an energy-secure future – one that promotes jobs and is affordable, competitive and safe. This includes offshore wind as part of a diversified energy portfolio.”

“We understand that development on the Outer Continental Shelf requires us to consider how these developments can affect people who make their living on the ocean.” said BOEM Acting Director Walter Cruickshank. “BOEM will continue to work closely with our stakeholders, including state government agencies and ocean users, to look at the potential impacts of offshore wind from a regional and cumulative perspective.

"For example, commercial and recreational fishing are important cultural and economic activities that must be considered. We encourage everyone to participate and provide feedback to help us identify future wind energy areas with the least impact to other ocean uses.”

Comments and other submissions of information may be submitted by either of the following two methods:

1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the entry titled “Enter Keyword or ID,” enter BOEM– 2018-0004, and then click “search.” Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this notice.
2. U.S. Postal Service or other delivery service. Send your comments and information to the following address:

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Office of Renewable Energy Programs
45600 Woodland Road (VAM-OREP)
Sterling, Virginia 20166

BOEM photo